BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — LIU men's cross country coach Chris Sauer expects big things from the Sharks this season. The North Conference's preseason coaches poll suggests league-wide confidence in the team's potenial as well. 

The Sharks were picked to finish fourth in the NEC in the poll, which was released Monday, behind Central Connecticut, Wagner and Saint Francis.
 
Following LIU was Merrimack, Stonehill, Sacred Heart, Fairleigh Dickinson and St. Francis Brooklyn.
 
"Our men are ready for a big step," Sauer said. "We were just one or two pieces shy last year of being top four. With us bringing everyone back, and a lot of guys having a phenomenal summer, I'd really like to turn some heads and see us as a top-three team in the NEC."
 
Sophomore Elyas Ayyoub is coming off an impressive freshman year for the Sharks. Ayyoub earned a spot on the all-conference team after being named Rookie of the Meet at the NEC Championships.
 
Among other notable returnees: Jonathan Gonzalez, Bryan Villafuerte, Brenden Rosario, Perry Balsamo and Lucas Fernandez.